Married doctor who sat on opioid epidemic panel pleads not guilty to attempting to trade Oxycodone for sex with prostitute behind Goodwill store

A Long Island lawmaker, renowned doctor and anti-opioid activist was arraigned this morning on drug charges after being arrested in a sting operation allegedly trying to trade Oxycodone pills for sex.

Dr. William Spencer, a legislator for Suffolk County’s 18th District, pleaded not guilty to third-degree sale of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance during his arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip, New York, on Wednesday. 

Spencer was released on his own recognizance after agreeing to surrender his passport and legally owned firearm. 

William Spencer, a legislator for Suffolk County, ENT doctor and minister, leaves court in Central Islip, New York, Wednesday after being arraigned for allegedly trying to trade opioids for sex

Spencer was released on his own recognizance after agreeing to surrender his passport and legally owned firearm

if convicted of the charges against him, Spencer could face up to nine years in prison 

A visibly shaken Spencer is seen covering his eyes with his hand after leaving First District Court in Central Islip following his arraignment 

If convicted at trial, the married father-of-three could face up to nine years in prison, Newsday reported. He is due back in court on February 26. 

Law enforcement officials told NBC New York the legislator was in an official Suffolk County vehicle at the time of his arrest behind a Goodwill store in Elwood on Tuesday evening.

'He was caught in the act of attempting to sell oxycodone for sex with whom he believed to be a prostitute,' said Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini. 

Officials said that Spencer believed he was going to meet a sex worker with whom he could swap pills for sex, but it was actually an undercover police operation.

The operation was set up by a task force led by the Suffolk County district attorney's office with Nassau County police, the sheriff’s office and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The task force was first made aware of Spencer's alleged behavior during an unrelated investigation. 

Prosecutors said Spencer had a relationship with a sex worker whom he partly reimbursed for her services with Oxycodone. 

Prior to his arrest, Spencer had sent a text message to the prostitute's number that read, 'tonight, trade,' according to documents. But unbeknownst to him, a DEA agent had taken possession of the woman's phone and arranged to meet with the doctor.  

Dr Spencer was arrested behind a Goodwill store on Tuesday evening, officials said. He has been a legislator since 2011 

Spencer was arrested in the parking lot of this Goodwill store in Elwood, New York, as part of an undercover sting 

At the time of his arrest, Spencer was found to be in possession of two Oxycodone pills, condoms, lubricant and his gun.

Sini has not ruled the possibility of filing additional charges against Spencer. 

'We are in the process of executing search warrants, and we are in the process of uncovering additional crimes committed by Dr. Spencer,' he told reporters. 

During his time in government since entering office in 2012, the ear, nose and throat specialist has been part of an opioid epidemic task force.

Suffolk Legislature Presiding Officer Rob Calarco released a statement, calling the allegations against Spencer 'extremely serious,' but otherwise reserving judgment. 

'We have very little information, and at this time, I will not be making any further statement. Our thoughts are with his wife and children during this difficult time,' Calarco added. 

Suffolk GOP Chair Jesse Garcia demanded that Spencer resign, calling the case 'an astounding betrayal of trust.'

Dr Spencer (second from left) lives in Centerport with his wife, Rachel, and their three children

'This alleged act was an attempt to abuse his position of power and trust, prey on women and take advantage of those he believed were prisoners of addiction,' Garcia said. 'I hope Dr. Spencer receives the help he needs. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.'

According to his website, Spencer has focused on drug abuse and opioid addictions and working to keep the likes of tobacco, vaping products, energy drinks and powdered caffeine away from minors. 

Since 2012, nearly a third of Spencer's sponsored resolutions have been focused on health and drugs.

'Opiate addiction has become an epidemic among our young people on Long Island and overdoses are on the rise. Some estimates say we lose one resident per day to the horrendous effects of drug use,' his website says.

'Of particular concern to Legislator Spencer are the issues of availability of good, fair-paying jobs, ensuring our children have the best education and healthy environment possible and keeping our community’s drug and violence free.

'These are topics he will continue to focus his attention on during his second term in office.'

His website say that he graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and went on to work at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Centre in New York City.

During his time in office, much of his work has focused on health and drug addiction issues in the community. Since 2012, nearly a third of Spencer's sponsored resolutions have been focused on health and drugs

As well as a politician and renowned doctor, Spencer is also an ordained minister

He has had his own practice in Huntington for the last 20 years - the Long Island Otolaryngology Airway, P.C.

He is also the Chief of Otolaryngology at Huntington Hospital and an associate clinical professor at Stony Brook University Hospital.

In addition to being an elected politician and a well-regarded physician, Spencer has also been an ordained minister since 1986.

According to the Suffolk County Legislature website, Spencer, who is also a licensed pilot, lives in Centerport with his wife, Rachel, and their three children.